Hollywood was left reeling after claims of sexual harassment first appeared in the New York Times.

It published "previously undisclosed" allegations from women Weinstein had previously worked with, including the actress Ashley Judd.

Twenty years ago, Weinstein allegedly invited the then young actress to a breakfast meeting before propositioning her.

According to the Times, Weinstein also reached a $100,000 settlement with Rose McGowan, then a 23-year-old-actress, relating to a hotel room encounter in 1997.

Ashley Judd is one of many women who have accused Weinstein
PA

How did Weinstein react to the allegations?

Weinstein issued an apology for his past behaviour saying he "has caused a lot of pain" and "needed to be a better person".

In a statement, he said: "I came of age in the 60s and 70s, when all the rules about behaviour and workplaces were different. That was the culture then. I have since learned it's not an excuse, in the office - or out of it. To anyone."

He also said he intended to take a "leave of absence" from the Weinstein Company as he works with a therapist.

Weinstein apologised for his past behaviour in the wake of the New York Times story.
PA

What led up to his firing from the Weinstein company?

Initially, the Weinstein Company's board of directors said the majority of its members "strongly endorsed" Weinstein's decision to step aside while he receives "professional help for the problems he has acknowledged".

It also said it would launch an inquiry into the allegations it takes "extremely seriously".

On Saturday October 8, Weinstein's lawyer Lisa Bloom announced her resignation.

The following day, the Weinstein Company confirmed the producer had been dismissed with immediate effect "in light of new information about misconduct".

Harvey Weinstein co-founded the film studio with his brother Bob (left) in 2005.
AP

Paltrow said she was left "petrified" after Weinstein propositioned her when she was just 22.

"I was a kid, I was signed up, I was petrified," she said, adding she had confided then-boyfriend Brad Pitt who confronted Weinstein which led to him threatening her not to tell anyone else.

Angeline Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow have also accused Weinstein of sexual harassment.
PA

Jolie vowed not to work with him again after a "bad experience" as a young actress.

"I had a bad experience with Harvey Weinstein in my youth, and as a result, chose never to work with him again and warn others when they did."

Meanwhile, former actress and screenwriter Louisette Geiss alleged the film Hollywood producer performed sex acts and begged her to watch him while she pitched movie ideas to him.

Ms Geiss said she didn't previously think she would "ever have a chance to stand up for myself against Harvey Weinstein" because if she "said anything he would have a ton of lawyers on my back and no one would trust me".

Louisette Geiss claimed her encounter with Weinstein left her feeling 'very scared'.
NBC

Pulp Fiction star Rosanna Arquette and French actress Judith Godreche and Mira Sorvino have also accused Weinstein of making advances towards them.

Mira Sorvino, Judith Godreche and Rosanna Arquette (left-right).
PA

British actress Romola Garai has also revealed she once auditioned for the producer while he "wore a bathrobe".

Garai, who was 18 at the time, and is now 35, told the Guardian the"humiliating" encounter happened at the Savoy Hotel in London and left her feeling "violated."

Weinstein denies rape allegations

Three women have also alleged Weinstein raped them in an article in The New Yorker magazine.

Actress Asia Argento and a former actress Lucia Evans accused Weinstein of forcing himself on them sexually. A third woman spoke anonymously.

Since Weinstein's sacking and in the wake of further allegations, a host of high-profile figures have spoken out against the movie mogul's behaviour.

Former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle released a statement saying: "Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status."

Hillary Clinton said she was "shocked and appalled" by the claims about a man who has been a major donor to the Democrat Party since her husband Bill's presidential election in 1992.

Harvey Weinstein pictured with former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton
PA

Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, Dame Judi Dench and George Clooney are among stars lending their support to Weinstein's alleged victims.

Writing on Twitter, DiCaprio saluted the "strength" of the women who "made their voices heard".

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